How to Fix a See Through Shirt

Co-authored by Katie Quinn and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: March 20, 2022 References

Don't toss a see-through top just because it's too thin! There are a lot of things you can wear underneath a sheer shirt to make it more comfortable. Choose neutral-colored camisoles, undershirts, or bras if you don't want the shirt to really stand out. If you'd rather hide the sheer shirt, wear stylish layers over the shirt so it's not as noticeable.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Wearing Something Underneath

1
Pick a lightweight camisole or tank top for a modest look. You can buy camisoles in a variety of colors in most lingerie departments. Choose one that matches your skin tone if you don't want it to be noticeable underneath the shirt. If you can't find a camisole, buy a smooth tank top that doesn't have thick seams, which would be visible under the shirt.^{[1]
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- You can also find comfortable sports bras that provide more coverage than a standard bra.
- If you're struggling to find neutral-colored camisole, match the camisole to the color of your top. For example, buy a black tank top or camisole for a sheer black top.
- Wear a camisole or tank top if your see-through shirt is sleeveless.
2
Go with a short-sleeved undershirt under a button-down dress shirt. If you have a nice button-down shirt that isn't very thick, it's important to wear a short-sleeved undershirt, which gives coverage and protects the shirt from deodorant stains. Try to find an undershirt that matches your skin tone so it blends in.^{[2]
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- You can find undershirts in most men's clothing departments near the socks and underwear. These are designed to be worn under button-down shirts.
- If you can't find an undershirt in your skin tone, choose a gray or white one.
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3
Wear a thin slip under a see-through shirt dress. Sheer shirt dresses present their own problems since you can't wear a tank or cami under them without the top being noticeable. Instead, choose a thin slip made of smooth fabric that doesn't cling to your dress. This extra layer blocks light from shining through the thin shirt dress.^{[3]
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- Try on the slip with the shirt dress before you wear it out. If the slip is too long, hem it before wearing it out.
4
Pair a neutral-colored bra with a white shirt so it blends in. You might assume that a white bra works well under a white shirt, but it actually stands out against most skin tones. Instead of white, wear a bra that matches your unique skin tone so it's not as noticeable against the white shirt.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 6 April 2021.}^{[5]
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- If you can't find a bra in your skin tone, choose a gray bra instead of a white one.
5
Put a strapless, plunging bodysuit under a crocheted halter top. A cute crocheted top is a popular summer look, but the gaps between the stitches can leave you exposed. For more coverage, put on a strapless, plunging bodysuit in a neutral color before putting on the halter.^{[6]
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- If you're planning on wearing the crocheted halter top to the beach or pool, wear your swimsuit underneath the top instead.
6
Wear a black or lacy bra if you'd like it to be visible through the shirt. For a sexy or daring style, wear a noticeable bra or cami under the sheer top. Pair a classic black bra with a sheer black blouse and a pencil skirt, for instance.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 6 April 2021.}
- Save the see-through look for casual situations or a night out.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Layering Pieces over the Shirt

1
Put on a second sheer top over the see-through shirt for coverage. If you don't feel like finding an undershirt that blends in with your skin tone, wear another layer over your see-through shirt. Try a lightweight top like a mesh shirt so it doesn't completely hide your see-through shirt. Since the amount of coverage will depend on the layers you wear, keep layering until you're comfortable.^{[8]
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- Choose an outer layer that's longer than your see-through shirt so it doesn't look like you're trying to make them match.
2
Cover a long see-through shirt with a light sweater or cardigan. If you have a long see-through tank or top, put on a loose sweater or open cardigan. This covers your chest and lets the sheer top peek out at the bottom.^{[9]
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- Have fun with uniquely cut sweaters. Try a sweater with an oversized neckline so one of your shoulders is visible, especially if you want more of the sheer shirt to show.
3
Wear a blazer or jacket to cover most of the sheer shirt. Outerwear is great for fixing a see-through shirt since you have so many style options. Look for a lighter, semi-transparent jacket for a casual daytime event, for instance.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Katie Quinn
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Pair a heavier, fitted blazer with your shirt if you'd like a more formal look that works for a night out.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 6 April 2021.}
- Play around with different styles and textures to see what you like with the shirt.
4
Use a shawl or wrap if you'd like an accessory that gives coverage. A bold or bright shawl can distract from the sheer nature of your shirt while covering it a bit. To get a flowy effect, choose a semi-opaque shawl and drape it over your shoulders. For a more modest look, wrap an opaque shawl across your front and tie the ends behind you.^{[12]
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- You can also braid or twist the shawl so it hangs to just one side.

Expert Q&A

Question

What do I wear under a see-through white dress shirt?

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Veronica Tharmalingam is a Personal Stylist who runs her fashion consulting business, SOS Fashion, in Los Angeles, California and Paris, France. She has over 10 years of experience crafting stylish wardrobes for men and women. Veronica is also a professional model and has worked with international brands like Harrods, LVMH, and L'Oreal.

Veronica Tharmalingam

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

You could wear a neutral-colored bra under your top to make it look more stylish.
Question

How do I hide my bra with a see-through shirt?

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Veronica Tharmalingam is a Personal Stylist who runs her fashion consulting business, SOS Fashion, in Los Angeles, California and Paris, France. She has over 10 years of experience crafting stylish wardrobes for men and women. Veronica is also a professional model and has worked with international brands like Harrods, LVMH, and L'Oreal.

Veronica Tharmalingam

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Try putting on a white or black blazer over the top of your shirt for a fashionable look.